Adopt a Stream

I plan to organize a large clean-up with 10+ volunteers

Removing trash and litter from streams protects wildlife, stream habitat, and communities living around the stream. Follow the tips below to ensure a fun, safe, and successful cleanup!

• DON'T enter the stream after a heavy rain or when the water is flowing too fast. You can clean along the bank instead. Make sure to wear gloves, and avoid contact with the water if you have any open wounds.
• DON'T plan a cleanup on someone else's property without their permission! Ask the property owner if it is private land or communicate with the agency owner even if it is public land.
• DO properly dispose of trash with tied-up bags, or rent a dumpster.
• DO visit this page for more tips on organizing a clean-up!

I plan to do regular clean-ups myself or with my family/friends

• DON'T enter the stream after a heavy rain or when the water is flowing too fast. You can clean along the bank instead. Make sure to wear gloves, and avoid contact with the water if you have any open wounds.
• DON'T plan a cleanup on someone else’s property without their permission! Ask the property owner if it is private land or communicate with the agency owner even if it is public land.
• DO properly dispose of trash with tied-up bags, or rent a dumpster.
• DO visit this page for more tips on organizing a clean-up!

I plan to protect native plants and trees and/or not mow along my stream to maintain a healthy shoreline buffer

Make sure your native plants and trees are thriving and not being taken over by invasive plants or disease. You need a strong shoreline buffer filters out pollution from street and agricultural runoff.

I plan to remove invasive plants along my stream and replace them with natives to create a healthy shoreline buffer

Invasive species vary by location, and management techniques can vary by species. To learn more about the invasive species in your area and how to remove them, consult with your local park department, county Soil and Water Conservation District, or state department in charge of natural resources.